Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Potatoes and pasta are both legends in the carb universe. Pasta is the elegant starlet twirling across the plate, and potatoes the reliable best friend who shows up with a casserole when life gets rough. But gnocchi combines the two, creating a mashed-potato pasta dumpling that’s ready to take on just about any type of sauce imaginable. This chicken gnocchi skillet is the perfect antidote to yet another night of spaghetti, penne or ziti. The gnocchi stands in for more common pasta shapes, and is tossed in an effortless (read: jarred) tomato sauce with ground chicken and Parmesan. Make this one-dish pasta recipe once, and you’ll feel like you’ve hacked dinner.

Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Potato gnocchi: For this recipe, use shelf-stable gnocchi from the pasta aisle or frozen gnocchi. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make homemade potato gnocchi.
• Ground chicken: Lean, mild and versatile, ground chicken soaks up all the flavors from the sauce and seasonings. It also cooks quickly, making this a true weeknight wonder.
• Onion: Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth as it cooks with the chicken. It’s the aromatic base that keeps the sauce from tasting flat.
• Olive oil: A couple of tablespoons of olive oil are all you need to cook the chicken and onion until golden and fragrant.
• Spaghetti sauce: A jar of your favorite store-bought pasta sauce makes this recipe lightning-fast, but you can always make pasta sauce from scratch.
• Salt: Just a touch helps balance and enhance all the flavors in the skillet.
• Dried oregano: This classic Italian seasoning brings a herby, slightly peppery kick to the sauce. Adjust the amount depending on how much oomph you want. For added complexity of flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning, which contains a variety of herbs.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): A finishing sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty, nutty goodness.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the gnocchi

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package directions.

Step 2: Cook the chicken and onion

Meanwhile, in a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook the chicken and onion in oil over medium heat until the chicken is no longer pink. Drain any liquid if necessary.

Step 3: Add the sauce and seasonings

Stir in the spaghetti sauce, salt and oregano, then cook until the mixture is heated through, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Combine with gnocchi

Drain the gnocchi and gently stir it into the skillet. If desired, sprinkle the chicken gnocchi skillet with Parmesan cheese.

Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Variations

• Play with proteins: For a different flavor profile, use ground turkey, beef or Italian sausage instead of chicken.
• Swap out the sauce: Try a creamy Alfredo or vodka sauce instead of plain tomato sauce for a rich, indulgent twist.
• Add more green: To make this chicken gnocchi skillet more filling and colorful, add extra veggies like spinach, zucchini or mushrooms.
• Fire it up: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or try a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a spicy kick.

How to Store Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Allow the chicken gnocchi skillet to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days.

How should you reheat the chicken gnocchi skillet?

Reheat the chicken gnocchi skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen the mixture. You can also microwave individual portions, but stir them halfway for even heating.

Can you make chicken gnocchi pasta in advance?

Yes! You can cook the sauce with chicken and onions up to two days in advance, reheat it on the stovetop, and toss it with freshly boiled gnocchi when you’re ready to eat. Adding the gnocchi later will keep it from getting mushy.

Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Tips

How do you keep the gnocchi from sticking together?

The best way to keep gnocchi from sticking is to cook them in plenty of salted boiling water, then drain and toss them directly into the sauce.

What can you serve with chicken gnocchi skillet?

This chicken gnocchi skillet recipe is a hearty entree, but a crisp Caesar salad or garlicky bread knots make perfect sides. For an Italian-inspired spread, start with a simple antipasto platter and finish the fun with a variety of Italian cookies.